(LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- Few entertainers can rival Elvis Presley's three-year meteoric rise from a raw, rowdy rocker to a global superstar. Watch as Elvis tribute performer Ruben Castillo brings this remarkable era to life in "Elvistory: The King of Rock & Roll 1956-1959" at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event begins at 2:00pm.

Ruben will bring the social and political context of the time to his presentation which will highlight Elvis’s films Loving You, Jailhouse Rock and Kid Creole.

Elvis took America by storm, snaring a prized spot on Ed Sullivan’s television show, appearing on numerous other variety programs, and diving headlong into film acting.

As he captivated audiences, the world changed. America emerged from its “Leave It to Beaver” age to face crises such as the rise of communism in Cuba and simmering racial tensions in Southern states that neared the boiling point.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLaceyElvis for this free program for all ages, sponsored by the Friends of the Lacey Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising, and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Applications are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, call (609) 693-8566, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.